Q&A: Maite Uzal Talks ‘Fiddler on the Roof’

Casting has been announced for the North American tour of the Tony Award nominated Broadway revival of Fiddler on the Roof at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts from March 5 through 10.

A beloved theatrical classic from Tony-winner Joseph Stein and Pulitzer Prize-winners Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick, Fiddler on the Roof is directed by Tony-Award winner Bartlett Sher (South Pacific, The King and I) and choreographed by the acclaimed Israeli choreographer Hofesh Shechter.

Fiddler on the Roof is the heartwarming story of fathers and daughters, husbands and wives, and life, love and laughter. This classic musical is rich with Broadway hits, including “To Life (L’Chaim!),” “If I Were A Rich Man,” “Sunrise Sunset,” “Matchmaker, Matchmaker,” and “Tradition.”

It was a pleasure to sit down with Maite Uzal, who plays Golde, for this exclusive Hotspots interview:

At what age did you begin performing and how did it happen?

I began really performing after I graduated college, but I have been performing for my family and at school since I was 4.

What was your first professional role?

A role in a feature Spanish film Little Galicia, which was shot in NYC.

How did you get cast in this Broadway Across America production of Fiddler on the Roof?

I submitted my materials and I did two initial taped auditions. They then called me in for an in person audition, and they offered me the job.

Knowing that this is such an iconic show, is there additional pressure on you to play Goldie?

Before starting the tour I realized how much pressure there was to honor such a brilliantly written score. Our director says good roles make good actors, so the pressure was on. Since we have been touring, I have realized how deeply entrenched this show is in American culture. That also adds pressure.

Other than this role, what has been your favorite to play?

I’m having a hard time picking between two…but I will force myself to say La Gran Semiramis, which is a play from the golden age of Spanish theater. In La Gran I went through more hardship, and was the first time I tackled such a big role, which was filled with many emotions.

What is your fantasy role?

WOW, that’s a hard question. I can narrow it down to three: eitherLady Macbeth, Bernarda in The House of Bernarda or either of the two older roles in Three Tall Women.

What should our readers expect from this production of Fiddler on the Roof?

They should expect a production that is absolutely loyal to the original show they know and love, whilst making it fresh with newer choreography. It’s a celebration of life, love and tradition. It’s also a show about brave women who confront traditions that deny them what they want to do. It’s a roller coaster of emotions, and you will leave the show toasting, dancing and singing to life.

The original Broadway production of Fiddler on the Roof, which opened in 1964 and featured choreography by Jerome Robbins, was the first musical in history to surpass 3,000 performances. The show won the 1965 Tony Award for Best Musical in addition to eight other Tony Awards that year. This acclaimed revival proudlyintroduces a new generation to the iconic musical adored across the globe.

Tickets for Fiddler on the Roof will be available at the Dr. Phillips Bill & Mary Darden Box Office, 445 South Magnolia Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801, Drphillipscenter.org or by calling 844-513-2014.